Astroscale's ADRAS-J demonstrates key 15-meter proximity to space debris

Astroscale's ADRAS-J demonstrates key 15-meter proximity to space debris
by Riko Seibo
Tokyo, Japan (SPX) Dec 26, 2024

Astroscale Japan Inc. (Astroscale Japan), a subsidiary of Astroscale Holdings Inc., has announced a major achievement as its debris inspection demonstration satellite, Active Debris Removal by Astroscale-Japan (ADRAS-J), successfully approached a piece of space debris to within approximately 15 meters. This marks the closest commercial approach to space debris using Rendezvous and Proximity Operations (RPO).

Selected by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) for Phase I of its Commercial Removal of Debris Demonstration program, ADRAS-J's recent maneuver exceeded baseline mission goals set by JAXA. Astroscale designed and executed this advanced operation independently, targeting the Capture Initiation Point (CIP), a critical phase where future robotic capture missions begin.

During the operation, ADRAS-J reduced the distance to 50 meters behind the targeted upper-stage rocket body before maneuvering to approximately 15 meters below the Payload Attach Fitting (PAF) - the designated capture point for the upcoming ADRAS-J2 mission. At this position, the spacecraft successfully stabilized its relative speed, distance, and attitude. However, an autonomous abort was triggered by the onboard collision avoidance system following an unexpected relative attitude anomaly with the debris. As designed, ADRAS-J safely maneuvered away from the target, and Astroscale is investigating the cause of the anomaly.

Despite not reaching the final intended proximity, ADRAS-J demonstrated the spacecraft's robust safety and control systems during high-risk operations. The onboard Fault-Detection, Isolation, and Recovery system ensured safe abort maneuvers and mission stability, a capability also demonstrated in the earlier fly-around observation operation conducted in July.

The mission further achieved all observational objectives required by JAXA, including two fly-around inspections confirming the integrity of the PAF and a third fly-around from a new angle. The data collected during these operations will provide essential insights for the future ADRAS-J2 debris removal mission.

Astroscale's successful 15-meter approach not only highlights its advanced RPO and inspection technologies but also establishes a new benchmark in orbital sustainability. By delivering critical data and proving the safety of complex proximity operations, the ADRAS-J mission paves the way for the next generation of space debris removal services.